'You have been more than a horse': Anush Agarwalla announces Olympic partner's retirement

An emotional chapter came to a close for Indian equestrian sport on Thursday as Anush Agarwalla, the nation’s first-ever Olympian in dressage, announced the retirement of his legendary horse, Sir Caramello. The duo made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming India’s first-ever rider-horse pair to compete in the elite dressage discipline on the Olympic stage. Taking to social media, Anush penned a heartfelt tribute to his longtime partner, honouring the horse that carried both his ambitions and India's hopes.“My dearest Caramello, You have been more than a horse — my partner, my strength, and my greatest teacher… You changed Indian dressage forever — proving we belong on the Olympic stage and inspiring a new generation,” Anush wrote. “You are a national hero… Now, it is your time — to wander through wide open fields, feel the breeze on your face… A gentle, joyful chapter awaits you. Love you, Caramello,” he added in his Instagram post.Sir Caramello’s retirement marks more than just the end of a sporting career. It symbolizes the legacy of perseverance and partnership that transformed India’s presence in global equestrian circles. Anush, meanwhile, has already begun writing the next chapter. In May, he impressed at the CDI 3* event in Lier, Belgium, which marks his first international outing with new horse Etro. The pair earned a solid 67.196% in the Grand Prix, placing Anush among the world’s top dressage competitors and securing a spot in the Grand Prix Special, reserved for the top 15.